Healthy soils, healthy food - Leveraging soil health and forgotten foods for mitigation and locally-led adaptation

As climate change continues to threaten global food systems, soil health and the cultivation of resilient, forgotten foods offer promising pathways to mitigate climate impacts and strengthen locally-led adaptation. Healthy soils not only improve agricultural productivity but also act as vital carbon sinks, playing a crucial role in climate mitigation. Furthermore, forgotten foods—often climate-resilient indigenous crops—present untapped potential to diversify food systems, enhance food and nutrition security, and build resilience in vulnerable communities.

This panel seeks to explore how restoring soil health and promoting forgotten crops can contribute to both climate mitigation and adaptation, particularly in regions most impacted by climate change. By focusing on locally-led initiatives, the panel will highlight the importance of engaging communities in sustainable agricultural practices, building resilient food systems, and integrating soil and crop diversity into climate strategies.